Patent CA-2608794-A1 (CA)
Inventor: JANES CATHERINE M
IPC: A62B17/00
Filed: 2007-12-03
Abstract: Section 1- Say what your invention is The Pandemic Kit is the assembly of specific safety products. Its purpose is to reduce the risk of exposure to disease related to air borne contaminates.     Section 2 - Say what your invention is used for Name of invention is Pandemic Kit.     The Pandemic Kit is the assembly of specific products used as a Preventative Health Care Kit to assist employers, employees, their families and the general public to reduce exposure to air borne contaminates but does not eliminate the risk of disease, illness or death.     The World Health Organization (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/phase/en/index.html states, Experts at WHO and elsewhere believe that the world is now closer to another influenza pandemic than at any time since 1968, when the last of the previous century's three pandemics occurred. WHO  uses a series of six phases of pandemic alert as a system for informing the world of the seriousness of the threat and of the need to launch progressively more intense preparedness activities. The designation of phases, including decisions on when to move from one phase to another, is made by the Director-General of WHO. Each phase of alert coincides with a series of recommended activities to be undertaken by WHO, the international community, governments, and industry. Changes from one phase to another are triggered by several factors, which include the epidemiological behavior of the disease and the characteristics of circulating viruses. The world is presently in phase 3: a new influenza virus subtype is causing disease in humans, but is not yet spreading efficiently and sustainable among humans.   3M Occupational Health and 3M Center, Building 235-02-W-70, Environmental Safety Division St. Paul, MN 55144-1000, 651 733 1110 states, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have issued precautions that should be used with regard to avian influenza viruses. For the most current information see the CDC or WHO  websites:   CDC http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian WHO http://www.who.int/topics/avian_influenza/en/     Section 3 - Describe the main components and how they work.   The products within the kit are already developed, tested and approved as preventative health care and/or safety tools / apparatus. The kit when properly selected, maintained, fitted and worn as a complete unit can provide effective reduction of exposure. The respirator unit provides up to an AFP of meaning 90% reduction of exposure. It is important to note that the kit will not eliminate the risk of exposure, illness, infection or death. Note: The kit comes with Instructions / guidelines on how to use each of the following products.  1. One Elastomeric Half Facepiece Respirator with Respiratory Filters (pair of two) For best suitability the half facepiece should be fit tested. Statistics show that 90% of Canadians will take a medium size half facepiece. The respirator should not be worn with facial hair. It is reusable with proper cleaning and disinfection. All filters should be disposed off in an air tight plastic bag. The respirator does not require batteries. The users exhaled breath is filtered and released into the environment. The respiratory is compatible with a stethoscope. As Stated in 3M Center, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 online general information, Particulate respirators may be used to reduce exposure to particles that are small enough to be inhaled -particles less than 100 microns (m) in size. This includes airborne particles that may contain biological material, e.g. mold, Bacillus anthracis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the virus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), etc.   2. Fourteen day supply of Surgical Masks or Procedural Masks or other approved masks similar for reducing risks for exposure to air borne contaminants.   As stated in the 3M Center, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 online general information, Surgical masks do not have either adequate filtering or fitting attributes to provide respiratory protection for the wearer. They are designed to help prevent contamination of the work environment or sterile field from large particles generated by the wearer (e.g. spit, mucous) Surgical masks may also be used to help reduce the risk of splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions from reaching the wearers mouth and nose.     3. One Tyvek Coverall with Hood, Elastic Wrists and Ankles This suit material is durable yet disposable. It resists penetration from asbestos, toxic dusts, light spray mists and most airborne particulates except for chlorinated hydrocarbons.  Tyvek is not considered to be waterproof and provides limited protection against strong splash and sprays It is virtually unaffected by most organic or inorganic chemicals. It will hold out particulates down to 0 5 microns in size The Pandemic Kit suggest that if you are wearing clothes under these suits, that when a kit is ordered the buyer should get a size that is slightly bigger than their normal size.   4 Twenty Individually Wrapped Respirator Cleaning Wipes Individually sealed /wrapped respiratory cleaning wipes made from Alcohol-free formula. 5. Fourteen day supply of Latex Rubber Gloves 6. One pair of standard eye protection safety glasses / goggles. This product provides limited protection only.     7. Fourteen day supply of Instant Hand Antiseptic Helps protect workers who are involved in cleanup after an emergency.